Right about now is when most people are likely to give up on their New Year’s resolutions. Research has shown that now is the time when your motivation may begin to falter. 

The number one resolution each year – on nearly a quarter of all resolution-makers’ lists – is losing weight and eating healthier. Unfortunately, only 1-in-10 Americans eat their recommended daily amount of fruits and veggies, according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And one out of every four adults in Maricopa County is classified as obese.

Diet and exercise are key to the weight loss process, but oftentimes, they’re not enough to achieve and maintain weight loss. While some individuals may succeed at losing weight initially, studies have shown that many gain back a significant amount of weight, and with it, a slower metabolism.

St. Luke’s Medical Center in Phoenix and Mountain Vista Medical Center in Mesa are stepping up to help Valley residents stick to their weight-loss resolutions so they can achieve long-term, healthy weight loss. Bariatric surgeons at both of these Valley hospitals are holding a series of free informational sessions throughout January 2018 about the many surgical and non-surgical options available to individuals struggling with morbid obesity.

A weight loss team of board-certified bariatric surgeons, registered nurses, psychologists, registered dietitians, physical therapists, and patient advocates work at the Bridges Center for Surgical Weight Management at the two Valley hospitals. The team understands how hard it is to lose weight, and makes every effort to ensure that patients lose weight safely, keep the weight off, and live a healthy lifestyle. With this in mind, the team provides critical support and resources to patients before, during, and after their procedures, such as ongoing nutritional education, physical activity counseling, follow-up assessments and support groups.

The weight-loss informational sessions, which are free and open to the public, will be held:

• Thursday, Jan. 25, 5:30 p.m. at St. Luke’s Medical Center (1800 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix)

• Saturday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m. at Mountain Vista Medical Center (1301 S. Crimson Rd, Mesa) 

Spouses, family members and partners are encouraged to attend the free sessions. To register for one of these sessions, complete the online form at: bridgesaz.com/seminars/ or call the Bridges Center at 1-800-248-5553.

According to Dr. Rob Schuster, a board-certified bariatric surgeon at the Bridges Center for Surgical Weight Management, a bariatric option can deliver undeniable health benefits, as most obese individuals are combatting life-altering co-morbidities, including diabetes, high blood pressure and off-the-charts cholesterol.